In a major step towards curbing the growing menace of drug addiction among the youth, the Karnataka State Police Department has rolled out ‘Sanmitra’ ( a good friend ), an initiative aimed at providing sustained support, rehabilitation, and monitoring for individuals struggling with substance abuse.The programme seeks to address the issue not just through enforcement, but with empathy, guidance and structured rehabilitation.Director General and Inspector General of Police, M.A. Saleem, in a circular issued recently, said the initiative is designed to “transform lives” by focusing on root-cause identification, continuous mentorship, and confidential handling of affected individuals and their families.Stressing the need for a more comprehensive strategy to tackle drug-related offences, Mr. Saleem said that policing should not end with arresting the accused, seizing contraband, filing charge-sheets and moving to the next case.He emphasised that a holistic and continuous monitoring system is essential to ensure that accused persons and addicts do not relapse into drug use or return to criminal activity. “ According to him, dedicated personnel will be deployed at each station to carry out this monitoring, maintain follow-up reports, and initiate further action when necessary.Under the initiative, every police station across the state will establish a dedicated Sanmitra helpdesk. Officers have been instructed to identify persons battling substance abuse and assign a trained police staff member as a mentor. Their details will be registered confidentially and shared only with senior officers to ensure complete protection of personal information.Police personnel designated under Sanmitra must maintain constant contact with affected individuals, engage with their families, and coordinate with mental-health professionals to track monthly progress.Rehabilitation-focused policingThe social circle of each individual will be examined discreetly, and any friends displaying signs of substance abuse will be reported immediately to the Station House Officer for medical intervention.Special emphasis has been placed on supporting students. Police have been advised to avoid uniformed visits or formal interactions on college grounds. Instead, officers will approach students as friends, helping them reintegrate into mainstream education without stigma.Confidential Reporting StructureStation heads must collect progress reports from Sanmitra personnel every two weeks and submit confidential monthly reports to the respective SP or DCP in sealed covers, according to the circular.At the next level, SPs and DCPs will compile quarterly assessments for submission to IGPs, DIGPs, or Police Commissioners. These senior officers will review the district-wise performance, issue further directions, and forward reports to the Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).An annual operational report will be submitted every December, detailing the overall implementation and impact of the programme.Holistic recovery and reintegrationPolice officers have been directed to act as guides and trusted allies—actively assisting individuals through treatment, counselling, and social rehabilitation. The programme encourages regular interaction with families, coordinated efforts with medical and social workers, monthly case reviews to identify setbacks, Intervention to prevent relapse, support for dignity, confidence, and community reintegration.The initiative also seeks cooperation from teachers, local leaders, awareness groups and community organisations to reduce stigma associated with addiction.Plans are under way to strengthen rehabilitation support through professionally run Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), ensuring comprehensive care and long-term recovery.Officials say Sanmitra aims to shift the police department’s approach from mere enforcement to compassionate engagement—building a supportive ecosystem for individuals battling addiction and striving for a drug-free Karnataka, Mr. Saleem, said.Published - November 18, 2025 10:57 pm IST